03/04 or 05/06?

[ejmesq]

Same question different way:

SF Bay Area always has a lot of clean non-stunt 636s on CL. 5K-18K miles.

Many 05/06 run about $3,700 +- and the 03/04s are in the $3100K+-. Most have the basic aftermarket stuff: pipe, spools, frame-sliders etc. I'm going to put Mich 2cts on the bike, regardlous of what rubber is on it ($275.00). So I want to factor that into the cost as well.

So, is there a Huge difference between the two bikes (Showa/slipper clutch 05/06)? Or no big deal? We ride Hwy 1 North of the Golden Gate which is sweepers, twisties for a couple of hundred miles, practically no LEOs.

I'm trying to keep the whole thing around $32-3500.

Whatcha think? I hate to spend any more then I have to.

[silverbullet72tnt]

I love my 03, it turns in great, shifts great, the ride on it is a little stiff, but the previous owner was a pretty big guy, it will be adjusted over the winter though, just waiting on my service manual. I love the looks of the 03-04 more than the newer ones as well, but the 05-06 body style is my second favorite

[Shifty1]

You are talking about two completely different bikes. There are a ton of differences...too many to list. However, one thing I can say is, the 05-06 is the more popular choice for street riding.

[-Op-]

Honestly, you can get an 05 for your price range. Including the tires. Just be in the look out on CL. I personally think that my 05 is amazing. Never rode an 03/04 though. Heard that the suspension and bars are more comfortable for street riding. Slipper clutch is nice to know that its there, but its presence isnt so known because I dont see high RPM downshifts.

[UTRacerX9]

I have both, a 2003 and a 2006.

For street riding, the 06 is much smoother, less vibration, and is easier to ride while sitting upright. Going fast requires you to duck down further than on the 03, as the windscreen has a much sharper rake and is shorter. The bike is smoother throughout the whole rpm range, but I am not certain how much of that is due to the bike, or the PC3 that is on it. Also switches to undertail exhaust, which looks a lot cleaner than the 03.

The 03 is more track oriented IMO. I can't give a truly equal comparison, because I have Pilot Powers on the 03 and the 06 came with some shitty Shinko's on it that don't turn worth a damn that I haven't replaced yet. Suspension is tighter on the 03, brakes feel much better on the 03 (though still very good on the 06), and the bike is easier to work on. It sounds a lot meaner than the 06.

However, testers on a track nonetheless can lap faster on a 05-06.

I love them both, but the styling of the 05-06 has grown on me, and now I like it more than the 03.